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Click for forthcoming Toyah on TV & Radio More info on Sugar Rush at The Official Humans website Click for the full gig diary at The Official Toyah website Click for full Sheep Farming To Anthem dates Click for more info at Hazel OConnor Facebook Click for Crimson Queen at iTunes Click for Good Morning Universe at Amazon Click for We Are The Humans at iTunes Click for Bootz at iTunes Click for The Power Of Three website Click for This Fragile Moment at iTunes














• New for 2010! 'Crimson Queen' Japanese Edition CD: Available from Eil, Ideal Copy & other Import CD stores •

Official Toyah: Gallery Update 29 April, 2011
The Gallery at The Official Toyah Willcox Website has been updated: There's now Classic Toyah, The Humans, plus Toyah Live (In The 21st Century) including great photos from the first three 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gigs, as well as other Toyah concerts

 
Toyah Live 2011: Harrogate Fringe: Hits & Surprises 29 April, 2011
As previously mentioned, Toyah headlines the Harrogate Fringe 2011 on 22nd July. Kula productions are using some great Toyah images to promote her appearance. Visit their website.

 
The Strand Gallery: Gay Photographers Network 29 April, 2011
Toyah will be opening the Gay Photographers Network, "More Guys Hanging" at The Strand Gallery, London, on Monday 20th June 2011. Toyah's Official Facebook/website will bring you further details on this nearer the time. The exhibition will feature the work of Toyah's official photographer Dean Stockings.
 
Birmingham Mail: Brummie Queen Of Pop Toyah Willcox 29 April, 2011
Brummie queen of pop Toyah Willcox talks about her struggle with dyslexia

Brummie queen of pop Toyah Willcox has told of her painful struggle with classroom prejudice as she overcame a learning disability to enjoy a glittering career in the music industry.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, the Kings Heath-born singer revealed how her own personal experiences with dyslexia had spurred her into action helping others.

Toyah, who has also enjoyed success in films and on television, will be among a host of 1980s stars playing the Our Friends Acoustic gig next month in aid of learning disability charity Mencap. “I feel great sympathy towards people who suffer learning disabilities and so feel quite passionate about the whole thing,” said the 52-year-old, who went to Edgbaston CofE College before training as an actress at the Old Rep Drama School.

• Read the full interview at the 'Birmingham Mail' website,
here.
 
Neon 80s: Kindle Edition 29 April, 2011
'Neon 80s - Memories Of A Luminous Decade', the book by Huw Collingbourne, is now available from Amazon in a kindle edition.

It was the era of the New Romantics, Blitz Kids and Gender Benders. From the UK club scene came the likes of Boy George and Steve Strange. Fashion went wild with pirate shirts, kilts, glitter and makeup. Huw Collingbourne was there - a writer for ’80s music magazines such as Number One, Kicks and Flexipop!, he interviewed all the stars of the day.

Neon 80s Includes original interviews with: Steve Strange, Marilyn, Divine, Pete Burns, Boy George, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, Limahl, Midge Ure, David Sylvian of Japan, Adam Ant, Toyah, Modern Romance, Matt Bianco, Heaven 17, Duran Duran, ABC, The Thompson Twins, Kim Wilde. Plus new articles about the styles, fashions, musical trends and memorable events of the 1980s...
 
Dreamscape News Archive: March 2011 (Part Two) 29 April, 2011
Dreamscape News for the second part of March has now been archived. March was such a busy month for Toyah news I had to divide it into two pages. Visit our News Archive by clicking below.

 
Official Toyah: Toyah Performs Live In Salisbury 29 April, 2011
TOYAH PERFORMS LIVE IN SALISBURY THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Toyah will open and sing live at the Mayor of Salisbury's Charity Family Fun Day in Harnham, Salisbury at 12pm on Saturday 30 April 2011. The event is free entry from 12.00-17.30 and takes place at Harnham Club Marquee & Field, Parsonage Green, West Harnham, Salisbury, Wilts. Wiltshire SP2 8LA.
 
Toyah on TV 29 April, 2011
TOTP2 : Dave - Tuesday 3rd May : 7.35am
TOTP2 : Dave ja vu - Tuesday 3rd May : 8.35am

Steve Wright presents a selection of archive performances, including hits by Tina Charles, kd lang, Al Jarreau and Toyah and Art of Noise, featuring Duane Eddy. Plus, footage from David Bowie's 1973 `farewell' concert and new music by soul legend Solomon Burke.
 
Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces! 29 April, 2011
• The 'Our Friends Acoustic' show, which Toyah was playing at, has been cancelled: Unfortunately due to logistical issues, Our Friends Acoustic on Thursday May 12th at The Clapham Grand has been cancelled. Refunds are available at point of purchase. Sorry folks, we'll be back with another 80s extravaganza later in the year! View further info at 'Little Noise Sessions', here.

• Toyah played a great PA at the Faerie Ball in Canterbury last week (with lots of positive messages on Facebook about the appearance). View a
new clip of Toyah introducing the PA at 'You Tube'. Thanks again to Brian Marsh for the excellent photos.

• Leona Graham is the new host of Absolute Radio's Friday Evening Show (7 till 11pm). In promotion for this One Golden Square say: So, Carol Decker, Toyah Willcox and Elizabeth II beware – there’s a new queen of the 80s and she’s on-air Friday nights from 7pm.

• Toyah received a namecheck in 'Stylist' magazine earlier this week. (Thanks to Minna)

 
BBC Radio 4: PM: Toyah Pays Tribute To Poly Styrene 27 April, 2011
Toyah paid tribute to Punk legend Poly Styrene on BBC Radio 4's PM yesterday afternoon.

Poly Styrene, whose real name was Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, died on Monday night. Her official Twitter broke the sad news:

"We can confirm that the beautiful Poly Styrene, who has been a true fighter, won her battle on Monday evening to go to higher places. We are sad to report that Marianne Elliot (aka Poly Styrene) lost her battle with cancer last night, 25th April 2011.

"Poly Styrene was a punk amongst punks. A groundbreaking presence that left an unrepeatable mark on the musical landscape, she made history the moment she uttered,'Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard but I think oh bondage up yours!'

"Poly Styrene never stopped exciting us with her incisive world-view, amazing wit, and her adventurous sound. It is impossible to imagine what modern music would be like without her incalculable contributions but it's probably not worth imagining a world that never had Poly Styrene in it."

• Yesterday's PM is available to listen to on
BBC iPlayer for the next six days. Toyah's tribute to Poly Styrene begins approximately 48 minutes in.
 
Kentish Gazette: Toyah Entertains Crowds At Fairy Festival 27 April, 2011
Steam-punk pixies, flower fairies, Morris Men and Pagan drummers turned the heads of visitors to Canterbury on Easter Sunday.

Many couldn’t believe their eyes as the pointy eared, wing wearing parade wound its way through the city centre streets. Dragons, giants and even Vikings joined the colourful procession which was officially marking the start of the 2011 Fairy Festival.

After entertaining the crowds with a display of music and dance in the Longmarket, the bright bunch made their way back to the Westgate Hall, where a three day fairy market was being held.

An assortment of fairy fare was on offer for shoppers to peruse including tutus, magic wands, original artwork, jewellery, crystals and food. There was also Tarot reading, aromatherapy, talks and workshops on Maypole Dancing, painting, meditation and healing.

On the Friday night there was a special Fairy Ball, headlined by Toyah Willcox.

The Fairy Festival continued all Easter weekend, and closed with a special Spring Ceremony, carried out by The Coven of The Bright Isle.

The next fairy event at the Westgate Hall is the Goddess Festival in August. For more information visit www.magicalfestivals.co.uk. See this week's Gazette for more pictures.
 
Club I: New 80's Club Night 27 April, 2011
A new 80's club night is launching on 03/06/11: Club I is London's newest monthly Friday night indie club night, created with love for music fans who are desperate for an alternative to London's club scene.

Club I will take place on the first Friday of every month from 10pm to 4am at Factory (formerly Club Life) - Vauxhall, London.

Music Policy: Adam & The Ants, A-ha, Associates, B52's, Bis, Bjork, Blondie, Blur, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Client, Culture Club, The Cure, Curve, Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Dead Or Alive, Depeche Mode, Elastica, Erasure, Eurythmics, FGTH, Garbage, Goldfrapp, Gossip, Grace Jones, Hurts, Imogen Heap, Human League, Kosheen, Japan, The Knife, La Roux, Ladytron, Little Boots, Madonna, MGMT, Morrissey, Mylo, New Order, Gary Numan, OMD, Pet Shop Boys, The Presets, Primal Scream, Prince, The Prodigy, Propaganda, Pulp, Republica, Robyn, Roisin Murphy, Scissor Sisters, Sex Pistols, Shiny Toy Guns, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Skunk Anansie, The Smiths, Soft Cell, Suede, Tears For Fears, Temposhark, The Ting Tings, Toyah, Transvision Vamp, Ultravox, White Lies, The White Stripes, Yazoo, Yeah Yeah Yeahs...

• More details about Club I at
Facebook. Check out the ICONS IN PRINT photo album for a shot of Toyah too! (Thanks to Phil Marriot)
 
Salisbury Journal: Mayor's Fun Day This Weekend 27 April, 2011
The Mayor of Salisbury’s big charity fun day takes place at Harnham sports and social club on Saturday.

Singing star Toyah Willcox will open the event at noon and will be performing live on stage.

During the day, there will be a display by the MoD dog team, a battle from the British Plate Armour Society, entertainment from local singers Jamie Eldridge and Cherise Trueman, a beer tent, a host of stalls and games and children’s rides.

All the daytime events are free. In the evening, tribute acts Mercury and Complete Madness will be performing. Tickets cost £20 and the doors open at 6.30pm. All the proceeds from the event will go to the mayor’s charity, the Stars Appeal’s Caring 4 Kids Campaign.
 
Sanctuary Xposed Radio: Toyah Interview Special 26 April, 2011
A new audio interview from 'Sanctuary Xposed Radio'. David Davies caught up with Toyah backstage at her gig at the HMV Institute, Birmingham on 16th April, for a special interview and some classic tracks from her first three albums.

Toyah talks playing the HMV Institute, and recalls when it was where she practised dancing while at school; the previous two 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gigs in Liverpool and St Albans; the 30th anniversary of 'Anthem'; and how she got her first break.

She also talks about influencing other bands and artists; how word of mouth in the 80's helped achieve success that is now gained via the internet; and how the internet has regenerated her music career over the last decade.

Interview Playlist: Neon Womb, Race Through Space, Ieya (1982), Good Morning Universe, I Want To Be Free, Blue Meanings.

Listen in,
here, on the special streaming shows all day every day from 25th April until 6th May.

 
Celebrity Ghost Stories: Bio Promo 25 April, 2011
Screen captures of Toyah from the promo advert for Celebrity Ghost Stories, currently running on Bio. The UK series begins on Thursday 12th May at 9pm.

 
Hawkinge Gazette: Toyah Concert Launches Fairy Festival 24 April, 2011
Pixie of Punk, Toyah Willcox received a rapturous reception headlining the Fairy Ball which launched the Canterbury Fairy Festival over the Easter weekend.

The Friday night Fairy Ball saw Toyah delighting the crowds singing her hits including 'It's a Mystery', 'Rebel Run', and 'I Want to Be Free'. She was supported by the popular folk bands Alquimia and The Gypsy Nomads.

On Saturday visitors and locals were treated to the sight of dozens of steam-punk pixies, flower fairies, Morris Men, Pagan drummers, dragons, giants and Vikings parading through the streets of the city.

And for those who followed the colourful cavalcade, they were guided to a massive three day Fairy Market at the Westgate Hall, where they could buy tutus, magic wands, crystals and other fairy paraphernalia.
 
Dreamscape Audio/Video: A Good Read 1998 24 April, 2011
A very Happy Easter to all our visitors... Here's another addition to the Audio/Video Archive, and it's something just a little bit gentle and easy on the ears for an Easter Sunday.

Toyah guested on BBC Radio Four's A Good Read back in March 1998, guest reviewing a book of her choice, plus two others. This originally aired on 8th March 1998 and runs for around 25 minutes. (Thanks to Seán)

• Catch up on our other recent audio additions: The New Recruit, also from BBC Radio Four (April 1994), and The Annie Nightingale Show, from BBC Radio One (January 1984).

 
Toyah Live 2011: Canterbury Faerie Ball: Photos 23 April, 2011

A selection of fantastic photos of Toyah from last night's PA at the Faerie Ball in Canterbury. It was a magical evening and even Toyah's husband, Robert, was in attendance. The Canterbury City Faerie Festival began today and continues until Monday. (Thanks to Brian Marsh for the photos)

 
Cruel Britannia's Toyah Interview: Final Airing 23 April, 2011
DJ Cruel Britannia's Toyah interview, recorded before her gig at The Robin last year and first broadcast in April 2010, will have its final anniversary airing tomorrow night.

Tune into Cruel Britannia's Other Fadeout on 'Nightbreed Radio' from 8pm. You can listen by logging onto
nightbreedradio.com & hitting the 'Listen Now' button. In May the entire show will be streamable from DJ Cruel Britannia's blog. Read a full transcript of the interview, at Minna's 'Toyah Willcox Interview Archive', here.
 
Remember The Eighties: New Toyah Interview 22 April, 2011
'Remember The Eighties' newest Toyah interview is now online at their website.

Toyah talks 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' and much more in this interesting feature.

• Read the full interview at the 'Remember The Eighties' website,
here.

One point that is raised during this is that of set lists being revealed online. I think in this digital age with websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook et al, keeping a set list, post-gig, secret is impossible.
 
Canterbury Faerie Ball: Toyah PA Tonight 22 April, 2011
It's Good Friday! Toyah plays the Canterbury City Magical Faerie Ball 2011 tonight. The Faerie Ball is a prelude to The Magical Faerie Festival that begins tomorrow and runs until Holiday Monday. Toyah tweeted about this yesterday: Just ordered my wings for my show at the Faerie Ball, Canterbury tomorrow. There's a 1st time for everything! I'm dressed as a fairy queen.

 
Toyah @ House of Blues, LA 22 April, 2011
Exciting news - Toyah tweeted on Wednesday that the Toyah band have been asked to play a live gig in the US. OMG I've just been asked to play House Of Blues in LA. I think this is a Yes! For me and the band!

House of Blues, Los Angeles is located on Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood.

 
Canterbury People: Punk Star’s Ball Will Open Fairy Festival 22 April, 2011
A festival of fairy fun starts in Canterbury tomorrow (Friday) when eighties singer Toyah Willcox weaves her own brand of magic.

The punk star will perform at the Fairy Ball at the Westgate Hall, before a colourful parade from 10am on Saturday with giants, drummers, fairy dancers elves and even a Viking.

Organiser Matthew Callow said the event is intended to celebrate spring, nature and childhood with four days of music, magic and myths. There will be stalls in the hall all weekend and the fun continues on Easter Monday with performances and workshops led by dancers, artists and musicians from around the world.

Tickets for the festival cost £6 per day for adults and £3 for children and OAPs, or £20 for the fairy ball. For more information visit www.magicalfestivals.co.uk or call Matthew Callow on 07845 438340.
 
FSF-A: HMV Institute: A Different View 22 April, 2011
A different view of Toyah onstage at HMV Institute, Birmingham last Saturday night. (Thanks to Merx for this great shot of Toyah and the 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' audience)

 
Celebrity Ghost Stories 22 April, 2011
Toyah is participating in the new UK version of Bio's Celebrity Ghost Stories, beginning in mid May.

Celebrity Ghost Stories UK explores the paranormal world through the deeply personal stories of our favourite stars.

In this new series we have revealing true stories from: Jeremy Edwards, Anne Diamond, Yvette Fielding, Toyah Willcox, Rav Wilding, Pat Sharp, John McCririck, Nancy Sorrell and many more.

From encounters with ghosts and angry spirits to real life haunted homes, your favourite stars describe the thrills and chills of the unexplained world of the paranormal.

Celebrity Ghost Stories UK starts on Thursday 12 May at 9pm.
 
Toyah on TV 22 April, 2011
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies Indie - Monday 25th April : 3.40pm
Satirical comedy starring Kris Marshall as a fertile young virgin who discovers he is the only man in Belfast capable of fathering a child. With Kris Marshall, Kathy Keira Clarke, Bronagh Gallagher, James Nesbitt, Kenneth Cranham, Olivia Nash, Pauline McLynn, Tara Lynne O'Neill, Toyah Willcox, Harry Towb, Marc O'Shea and Paddy McCarney. Directed by: Dudi Appleton (1999).

TOTP2 : Dave - Tuesday 3rd May : 7.35am
TOTP2 : Dave ja vu - Tuesday 3rd May : 8.35am

Steve Wright presents a selection of archive performances, including hits by Tina Charles, kd lang, Al Jarreau and Toyah and Art of Noise, featuring Duane Eddy. Plus, footage from David Bowie's 1973 `farewell' concert and new music by soul legend Solomon Burke.

Sing If You Can : ITV1 - Saturday 7th May : 7.00pm
Sing If You Can : ITV1 +1 - Saturday 7th May : 8.00pm

Keith Lemon and Stacey Solomon present the hilarious celebrity singing competition. Which team will make it through to play to win money for Teenage Cancer Trust? Also airing on ITV1 HD.

 
Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces! 22 April, 2011
ITV Press Centre have now confirmed details of the edition of Sing If You Can that Toyah is guesting on.

Sing If You Can - Episode: 4
Saturday, 7 May 2011, 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Entertainment & Comedy

Comedian Keith Lemon and the bang tidy Stacey Solomon challenge celebrities to sing as they devise the most outrageous, frightening and daft ways to put them off. Tonight, Jedward, Faye Tozer and Sinitta compete against singer Toyah Willcox, actor Ben Richards and actress Sian Reeves.

Brum is celebrating its 20th birthday. View a report on this at the 'Cotswold Journal'.

• 'Louder Than War' include Toyah, circa 'The Blue Meaning', at their Hair-ess to the Throne blog.

 
Rest in Peace, Elisabeth Sladen 20 April, 2011

 
FSF-A: HMV Institute: Junction10 Photos @ Flickr 20 April, 2011
Junction10 Photography have a set of photos from Toyah's HMV Institute, Birmingham gig at their 'Flickr' page.

Click
here, or on the image to the left, to view these fantastic photos from the third 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig. (Thanks to Andi)
 
Midlands Rocks: Toyah @ HMV Institute: Review 19 April, 2011
Toyah + Deadfilmstar + Drag @ HMV Institute, Birmingham - April 16th, 2011: Review by J McGowen

Birmingham pop punk sweetheart, Toyah Willcox returned to her beloved Midlands to celebrate 30 years since her breakthrough album, Anthem was released. The performance promised dark and quirky, cult classics not often heard live and it beckoned diehard fans to the HMV Institute Library venue.

Toyah appeared on stage to rapturous applause and proceeded into tracks like Victims of the Riddle and Race through Space which really exposed her prowess and range - dipping from operatic to the whining punk vocal. She pranced about on stage in skirt with flowing tutu-like organza material down the back. She really embodied hypnotic witchy qualities - Kate Bush meets Stevie Nicks - and there was no doubt that she retains a mature sexiness that many of the men (and women) in the audience appreciated.

• Read the full review at the 'Midlands Rocks' website,
here.

• View a selection of great photos from Saturday's Birmingham gig at 'Contact Music',
here.

• Visit Dreamscape's comprehensive 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' News Archive.

 
Dreamscape Audio/Video: Annie Nightingale Show 1984 18 April, 2011
Back in 1983 Annie Nightingale travelled to France to interview Toyah and Sting for a 45 minute special for her BBC Radio One show. Toyah was there filming The Ebony Tower for ITV and Sting was playing stadiums with The Police. They talk Quadrophenia, music, acting, red hair and much more. Please click below to listen to the full interview, edited down to remove music. This originally aired on 7th January 1984 and runs for approximately 30 minutes. (Thanks to Giddy Gavin)

• Browse all of our Audio & Video here. There's dozens of retro Toyah interviews to entertain you!

 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ Birmingham: Elusive Stranger 18 April, 2011
Lots of cool footage, from Saturday night's FSF-A Birmingham gig, already appearing at 'YouTube', including the wonderful 'Elusive Stranger'. Click below to watch at 'YouTube' (Thanks to Andy Spike)

 
Toyah Live 2011: Gigs Updated 18 April, 2011
More new gigs and PA's have been added to Toyah's Official Gigs page, including confirmation of the Salisbury Family Fun Day on Saturday 30th April.

There's also a live PA at Blackpool Pride on Saturday 11th June, and two new 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' dates: The Brook, Southampton on Thursday 13th October and Hertford Corn Exchange on Friday 21st October.

The official poster/flyer promo image for the 'FSF-A' tour has also been updated. View that here.

Toyah's next live date is a PA this Friday at
The Canterbury City Faerie Ball.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Dreamscape News 17 April, 2011
Check out all of our FSF-A news by clicking below. Collected together because it makes sense :)

 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: More Photos 17 April, 2011
More Brumtastic photos from last night. Toyah looks... atomic!! Check out all of our 'From Sheep Farming...' news here. (Thanks to Greg Fowler for these great photos - click on each for larger)


 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: Photos 17 April, 2011
Toyah, looking amazing, last night at her old dance school (aka HMV Institute, Birmingham). There's been excellent feedback for the gig. Currently, the next FSF-A concert is Leicester Square Theatre, London on 17th June. (Thanks to Richard Smith for the great photos - click each for larger)


 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: Toyah Tweets 17 April, 2011
Toyah has just tweeted about last night's gig: Bham HMV was such a cool show!Audience erupted when we launched into Elusive Stranger! Queues around block,even ticket touts had great night.

Toyah's Official Facebook will have photos from the gig soon. The Official Toyah website will also be launching a page dedicated to documenting the 'FSF-A 2011' tour dates.
 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: Set List 17 April, 2011
Lots of news filtering through about last night's, long awaited and anticipated, 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig at Birmingham's HMV Institute.

The additional new/old song to the set list, that Toyah tweeted about on Friday night, was the mighty 'Elusive Stranger'. Sadly this meant that, the equally mighty, 'Angel and Me' was removed. There will probably be some song swapping through the year so it might be played again at some gigs?

Toyah
tweeted again yesterday: I've been thru my 80s costume archive.5hrs! Found an orig melissa caplan I never wore.It's weird! I'm thinking leicester sq theatre in June - Interesting or what?

Many thanks to Merx for the Birmingham set list photo.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Live! Tonight!! 16 April, 2011
'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig number three tonight, at HMV Institute, Birmingham. Toyah tweeted last night: Can't wait to play B'ham HMV. Really rockin' venue...it's my old dance school! Adding new(old) song to set, tryin' out new look. C u there x - Have a great gig Toyah and fans!

 
Daily Mail: My Haven 16 April, 2011
A new 'Daily Mail' article today on Toyah. Includes a lovely photo of Toyah and the super cute Willyfred.

My haven: The kitchen at the heart of singer Toyah Willcox's Worcestershire home involves a lot more than cooking

1 BOOKWORM
Buying rare old theatre books is a passion of mine. I love reading about actors and music hall artists everyone’s forgotten about.

The most expensive one is a thesis on pantomime and I love it to death because people always disrespect panto, but it keeps theatres running.

2 COSTUME DRAMA
Katharine Hepburn gave me this blouse after we finished filming The Corn Is Green in 1979. I was 20 but played a 13-year-old. Katharine wore the blouse in the film – giving costumes away was her tradition.

She was magnificent: generous, strong and a great role model.

• Read the full article at 'Mail Online'
here.
 
Accent Magazine: Punk Princess 15 April, 2011
A recent (last week) interview with Toyah, from, North East based, 'Accent' magazine.

Ever since she burst onto the Punk scene in the mid-70s, flame-haired Toyah Willcox has never strayed far from the celebrity spotlight. Singer, songwriter, author, actress and TV presenter – this style chameleon is small in stature but a huge in personality… and she always wears her heart on her sleeve. Accent caught up with Toyah after her recent trip to Newcastle raising funds for the NSPCC.

You and Punk were made for each other. Were you born to be a rebel?
I was never conventional. I feel very strongly that if you do not conform to the ideal of beauty that girls are still supposed to conform to in this day and age, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a place in the world.

By this I mean I was always a tomboy who preferred mud to make-up, so I made my own sense of place and that was as a rebel!

What’s your most vivid memory of Punk?
Punk for me was about acceptance. I know to the outside world it seemed especially aggressive towards almost everything, but I found it remarkable because it broke down unacceptable boundaries of prejudice and opened up a more liberal world.

So my most vivid memory of punk is that it put women of all shapes and sizes in the media spotlight. A supermodel wouldn’t have a chance if punk was still the mainstay today.

Also giving Johnny Rotten acting lessons to get him through the screen test for Quadrophenia stands pretty high in my memories

• Read the full interview at the 'Accent Magazine' website,
here.
 
Official Toyah: Toyah Twitter 15 April, 2011
Toyah now has an official twitter feed at www.twitter.com/toyahofficial. This will feature occasional messages and updates direct from Toyah in addition to official news announcements. Head over to the page to start following and see what Toyah's first messages have to say....
 
Remember The Eighties: New Toyah Interview... Soon! 15 April, 2011
Keep an eye on 'Remember The Eighties'. The site will soon have a new interview with Toyah. This will be the their fourth. The previous three, from 1998, 2006 and 2009, are all still available to read at RTE's Interviews section.
 
Official Toyah: Toyah Brings Special Concert To Birmingham 15 Apr, 2011
Toyah plays a special gig this Saturday 16 April at the HMV Institute, Birmingham which sees her revisiting songs from her first three albums.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her platinum-selling album Anthem, the concert includes some songs not heard live for thirty years alongside the classics hit singles It's A Mystery and Thunder In The Mountains.

Concert tickets are available
here and special aftershow party tickets are now available to buy now with access to a green room, bar and DJs before and after the headline concert.
 
Realm Of Zhu: The Spirit of Dungeonpunk '82 15 April, 2011
'Realm of Zhu' has an interesting look at some of Toyah's 80's photos/artwork and its links to fantasy imagery in their recent blog article The Spirit Of Dungeonpunk '82.

The punk credentials of Toyah Willcox aren't really in any dispute, appearing in Derek Jarmans glorious 1978 occult time-travel movie Jubilee and releasing several high energy punk EPs. However, by the early 80's there's more than a slight echo of Kate Bush (sorry Toyah), a touch of Ziggy Stardust, and a glossier pop production that would bring Toyah mainstream success and platinum level record sales, which in turn made a lot of old punks turn their back on her. What is most surprising is this transformative success was accompanied are a pair of album covers and spin-off media that blend various influences into a punky post-apocalyptic swords-and-sorcery epic.
 
The Wireless Theatre Company: Jenny Runacre 15 April, 2011
'The Wireless Theatre Company' published a great piece by Jenny Runacre, reminiscing about Jubilee, earlier this week.

Derek Jarman, Jubilee and Me. By Jenny Runacre

Last week there was a showing of Jubilee by Derek Jarman, at the newly launched Society Film Club, which takes place every Monday in the basement cinema of the Sanctum Soho Hotel.

Love Brandish who runs the Club asked me if I would be willing to go along and do a question and answer session after the showing of the film. He told me Adam Ant would be there too and was going to sing and play guitar afterwards. So on Monday off I went to the showing, which turned out to be a very glamorous event!

After watching ‘Jubilee’, which I must confess, I hadn’t seen for some time – the question and answer session began and of course, it brought back a flood of memories of filming with Derek Jarman and the rest of the cast.

• Read the full article at 'The Wireless Theatre Company' blog,
here.
 
FSF-A: The Horn, St Albans: Photos 15 April, 2011
A stunning selection of photos from 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' at The Horn on Thursday 7th April. Please click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Andrea Solomon for these excellent photos - View more photos from The Horn @ www.acsphotos.co.uk)



 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ St Albans: Blue Meanings 15 April, 2011
'Blue Meanings' from The Horn, St Albans. (Thanks to Simon Booth at 'YouTube')

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: St Albans 15 April, 2011
A great photo of Toyah eight days ago at the second 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' date in St Albans. The set list that night was the same as The Cavern gig. Will tomorrow's be the same also? (Thanks to Andrea Solomon for the photo - View more from The Horn @ www.acsphotos.co.uk)

• Check out all of our 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' news here.

 
Toyah on TV 15 April, 2011
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies Indie - Sunday 17th April : 9.45am
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies Indie - Thursday 21st April : 2.10am
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies Indie - Monday 25th April : 3.40pm

Satirical comedy starring Kris Marshall as a fertile young virgin who discovers he is the only man in Belfast capable of fathering a child. With Kris Marshall, Kathy Keira Clarke, Bronagh Gallagher, James Nesbitt, Kenneth Cranham, Olivia Nash, Pauline McLynn, Tara Lynne O'Neill, Toyah Willcox, Harry Towb, Marc O'Shea and Paddy McCarney. Directed by: Dudi Appleton (1999).
 
Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces! 15 April, 2011
• Toyah, and her retro style, has just this week been featured in two fashion blogs: Fashion's Most Wanted and Bon Vivant Clique.

eFestivals.co.uk are reporting that Toyah will be playing the Wickham Festival 2011, taking place Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th August.

• More 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' dates will be announced soon. There's also been mention of a tour for October.

• Red Square Audio have tweeted: The Humans will be touring later this year and the dates will be announced soon.

 
Toyah Talks Music: Interview Now Online 7 April, 2011
Our interview with Toyah is now online. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to John Wain, Minna Kelland, and a big thanks to Stephen Bennett for his input. Mostly, thank you to Toyah for taking the time!

• Unfortunately this is the last update for the next 10 days or so. Normal service will, hopefully, resume before the third 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig at Birmingham HMV Institute.

 
Official Toyah: April 2011 Blog 7 April, 2011
Toyah’s April 2011 Blog has been added to The Official Toyah website. Click below to go there.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Live! Tonight!! 7 April, 2011
It's gig number two of the 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' tour. Tonight Toyah will rock St Albans.

 
Toyah Talks Music: Dreamscape Interview 4 April, 2011
Coming Soon... Toyah tells us about rediscovering her early albums for this 30th anniversary year and the "From Sheep farming To Anthem" tour. She also kindly answers a few questions that have been looming over Toyahland for a number of years... Joel Bogen? Gigs outside the UK? Desire?

 
TOTP: The Story Of 1976: Screen Caps 4 April, 2011
A few screen caps from Friday night's Top Of The Pops: The Story Of 1976. There was even a very brief clip of Toyah and Noel Edmonds from Glitter which aired that year. Click on the caps for larger.

 
Samantha & Toyah 4 April, 2011
A great photo of Toyah and Samantha Fox taken on Saturday while both were filming a cookery TV show.

Samantha prepared a starter and Toyah cooked the main course (pudding person unknown!) for a programme that will air in the not too distant future.

The show sounds similar to Britain's Best Dish but Toyah has previously appeared on that so it must be a different cookery show.

Please click on the photo for a larger version.

Thanks to Marky Evans for the photo and info. Visit Marky's Official Samantha Fox Facebook, here.

 
ITV Press Centre: Sing If You Can 4 April, 2011
ITV Press Centre have today confirmed that the first edition of Sing If You Can will air on Saturday 16th April on ITV1 at 7.20pm.

ITV has commissioned RDF Television to make a brand new entertainment series, SING IF YOU CAN, in which some of Britain’s most popular celebrities will be challenged to perform in extreme and hilarious circumstances.

Hosted by comedian KEITH LEMON and Queen of the Jungle STACEY SOLOMON, every episode will see two celebrity teams trying to deliver the best performances of modern hits and classic crowd-pleasers whilst taking on extraordinary challenges designed to distract them.

Sing If You Can offers viewers a chance to see celebrities well and truly out of their comfort zone. During the series, singer and actor Ray Quinn will make his debut as a rapper …whilst some very unlikely names will take on the might of Lady GaGa…

• Read the full press release at the 'itv.com' website,
here.
 
Cruel Britannia's Toyah Interview: Re-Airs Tonight 3 April, 2011
A reminder that DJ Cruel Britannia's 2010 interview with Toyah re-airs tonight at 8pm on 'Nightbreed Radio', exactly a year after it was first broadcast.

The re-airing will take place on DJ Cruel's monthly show for 'Nightbreed Radio' called Cruel Britannia's Other Fadeout. You can tune in by logging onto
nightbreedradio.com & hitting the 'Listen Now' button. The interview will air again each Sunday through April, and in May the entire show will be streamable from DJ Cruel Britannia's blog.
 
Toyah on TV Tonight: TOTP: The Story Of 1976 1 April, 2011
A reminder that Toyah appears on Top Of The Pops: The Story Of 1976, a new documentary, airing on BBC Four at 10pm tonight. The programme is BBC Four's "top pick" of their schedule and is part of a special Top Of The Pops evening.

8.30pm: Big Hits: TOTP 1964 to 1975
With the Rolling Stones, Tom Jones, Status Quo, Procol Harum, Stevie Wonder and the Kinks.
10.00pm: Top Of The Pops: The Story of 1976
Top of the Pops in 1976, as a barometer of the state of pop and light entertainment TV.
10.50pm: Top Of The Pops (01/04/1976)
With Abba, the Brotherhood of Man, the Beatles, Fox, John Miles, Diana Ross and Sailor.
11.20pm: Top Of The Pops: The True Story
Jamie Theakston presents a history of Britain's best-loved music show.
12.20am: When The Stranglers Met Roland Rat
Documentary which goes in search of the colliding worlds of pop and kids' TV.

Top Of The Pops: The Story Of 1976
re-airs a number of times over the next week. It will also be available to watch at BBC iPlayer after tonight's broadcast.

NB: As mentioned a few months ago, BBC Four is "bringing back" Top Of The Pops. From next week, the digital channel will transmit each week’s edition from 35 years ago in the same slot, Thursday night at 7.30pm, as its original broadcast. There's every possibility that all the classic early 80's editions will eventually be repeated in full too.

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